Heartbreak struck the heartland this week as a devastating helicopter crash in Montana claimed the lives of family members of Illinois Republican gubernatorial hopeful Darren Bailey.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday in Carter County, Montana, near the borders of South Dakota and Wyoming, taking the lives of Bailey’s son, Zachary, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, as confirmed by the Montana Highway Patrol.
The Daily Caller reported that news of this gut-wrenching loss was shared with the public on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, through a poignant statement posted on X by the Darren Bailey / Aaron Del Mar Campaign.
Bailey, a steadfast conservative who previously served in both chambers of the Illinois state legislature, representing southern Illinois, is no stranger to tough battles, having run against Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022.
Yet, no political fight could prepare anyone for the personal devastation of losing a child and grandchildren in such a sudden, tragic manner.
Thankfully, Bailey’s other grandson, Finn, 10, was not aboard the doomed helicopter and remains safe, offering a small glimmer of solace in an otherwise dark hour.
The campaign’s statement on X pulled no punches in conveying the raw pain felt by Bailey and his wife, Cindy, as they grapple with this unimaginable loss.
“On Wednesday evening, Darren and his wife, Cindy, received the heartbreaking news no parent ever wants to hear,” the statement read, as shared by the Darren Bailey / Aaron Del Mar Campaign.
“Their son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, age 12, and Samuel, age 7, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Montana.”
“Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” the statement continued, underscoring the depth of their sorrow with a clarity that cuts through any partisan divide.
In the wake of the announcement, an outpouring of support flooded the comment section of the X post, with concerned friends and everyday folks offering words of comfort to the Bailey family.
It’s a reminder that, despite the divisive noise of today’s hyper-political climate, genuine human empathy can still bridge even the widest of gaps.
While some on the progressive side might scoff at the values Bailey champions, even they can’t deny the universal pain of such a loss—proof that tragedy doesn’t pick sides.
The campaign also noted that the Baileys are leaning on their faith and loved ones to navigate this storm, a testament to the traditional values that anchor so many in times of crisis.
They’ve asked for privacy as they grieve, a reasonable request in an era where every personal moment risks becoming public fodder for the outrage machine.
Let’s hope the culture warriors on all sides can respect that boundary, showing that decency isn’t just a buzzword but a practice worth upholding.